§ 31-8-58. Confidentiality
The identity of any complainant, resident on whose behalf a complaint is made, or individual providing information on behalf of the resident or complainant relevant to the investigation of a complaint shall be confidential and may be disclosed only with the express permission of such person. The information produced by an investigation may be disclosed […]
§ 31-8-59. Notice to Residents
The state ombudsman shall prepare and distribute to each long-term care facility in the state a written notice describing the long-term care ombudsman program and the procedure to follow in making a complaint, including the address and telephone number of the state ombudsman and community ombudsman, if any. The administrator shall give the written notice […]
§ 31-8-60. Retaliation Against Resident and Interference With Ombudsman Prohibited; Provisions Applicable to Violations
No person shall discriminate or retaliate in any manner against any resident or relative or guardian of a resident, any employee of a long-term care facility, or any other person because of the making of a complaint or providing of information in good faith to the state ombudsman or community ombudsman. No person shall willfully […]
§ 31-8-61. Liability for Provision of Information
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person providing information, including, but not limited to, patient records, to the state ombudsman or a community ombudsman shall be held, by reason of having provided such information, to have violated any criminal law or to be civilly liable under any law unless such information is false and […]
§ 31-8-62. Liability Arising From Complaints
Any person who, in good faith, makes a complaint or provides information as authorized in this article shall incur no civil or criminal liability therefor. Any state or community ombudsman who, in good faith, performs his or her official duties, including but not limited to, making a statement or communication relevant to a complaint received […]
§ 31-8-63. Rules and Regulations
The department is authorized to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to implement this article. History. Code 1933, § 88-1914a, enacted by Ga. L. 1979, p. 1240, § 1.
§ 31-8-50. Declaration of Policy
The General Assembly finds that a significant number of older citizens of this state reside in long-term care facilities in this state and, because of their isolated and vulnerable condition, are more dependent on others for their protection and care. It is the intent of the General Assembly to protect and improve the quality of […]
§ 31-8-51. Definitions
As used in this article, the term: “Community ombudsman” means a person certified as a community ombudsman pursuant to Code Section 31-8-52. (1.1) “Department” means the Department of Human Services. “Long-term care facility” means any skilled nursing home, intermediate care home, private home care provider, assisted living community, or personal care home now or hereafter […]
§ 31-8-52. Establishment of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965 (P.L. 89-73, 79 Stat. 219), as amended, and as a condition of receiving funds under that act for various programs for older citizens of this state, the Department of Human Services has been required to establish and operate a long-term care ombudsman program. In order to receive […]
§ 31-8-53. Duties of State Ombudsman
The state ombudsman shall: Establish policies and procedures, subject to approval by the commissioner of human services, for receiving, investigating, referring, and attempting to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities concerning any act, omission to act, practice, policy, or procedure that may adversely affect the health, safety, or […]